That’s what the other girls whisper behind her back. But sixteen year-old Adelice Lewys has a secret: she wants to fail.

Gifted with the ability to weave time with matter, she’s exactly what the Guild is looking for, and in the world of Arras, being chosen as a Spinster is everything a girl could want. It means privilege, eternal beauty, and being something other than a secretary. It also means the power to embroider the very fabric of life. But if controlling what people eat, where they live and how many children they have is the price of having it all, Adelice isn’t interested.

Not that her feelings matter, because she slipped and wove a moment at testing, and they’re coming for her—tonight.

Now she has one hour to eat her mom’s overcooked pot roast. One hour to listen to her sister’s academy gossip and laugh at her Dad’s stupid jokes. One hour to pretend everything’s okay. And one hour to escape.

Because once you become a Spinster, there’s no turning back.

I was drawn – no mesmerized by the cover and decided I need to read this book even before I read the synopsis. Then, I read the synopsis and thought this would be “just the next dystopian” story. Oh Boy! I couldn’t have been more wrong…

Crewel is brilliant!

Not often can we start a review with these words, yet here those words are undeniable fitting here.

Crewel is unique! Often said – but nothing describes Crewel more than unique! I never read a book like this. I never read anything even close to the idea behind this story. I wish I could be in Gennifer Albin’s head to see how the heck she came up with the creating of this world!

Did you admire the cover just like me? Then, I must tell that once you read the story you will finally realize how absolutely phenomenally fitting this cover is. It’s perfection.

To understand my fascination with this book and my love for this book, it’s not enough to read my review; you need to experience this book on your own. And I refuse to tell specifics about the world, this is also something you need to discover on your own! Also, due to the complexity of this world it is important to dig in slowly, because this is also what the author does when introducing us with her concept.

Adelice – normal, yet super-normal girl?

In the beginning I thought Adelice was plain, but then I got to know her better. With the progress of the story Adelice grows, the character development amazing to watch unfold– and we grow with Adelice. In the end I couldn’t help but love this girl! She was strong when she needed to be strong – smart when she needed to be smart. But she was never overbearingly strong and too brave.

Boys Romance and Love?

Happily I soon realized that we would have some romance in this story. I strongly believe that especially in a dystopian novel; love always plays a crucial role, because often the characters rise above them because they have to fight for their love. Love makes them stronger! In Crewel we have two very interesting love interests and although the boys are very different in their character traits they have also some similarities. I loved them both, for different reasons – but both are important for Adelice and her raise to fight against the system. Oh and there is kissing – sweet slow and adorable kissing! Kissing always makes me happy!

Slow Start – Explosive End

The beginning was rather slow, but this was due to the necessity to explain the basics of the world, to slowly approach the concept to the reader. I think the pace was important in the beginning. The last part of the book was very explosive with lots of twist and revelations that were thrilling and leaves you gasping. I need to mention the very end of the book – because I think it was epically phenomenal. It feels like you are catapulted into a new set of storyline and into a new world and I am desperate to read the next book, dreading the horrible wait until the sequel comes out!

Bewitched Rating

Bottom Line

Crewel was brilliant! Gennifer Albin created a unique story with an awe-inspiring world creation. Crewel will appeal to many readers, as it harbors different types of beloved genres, Dystopian, Scifi and Fantasy meshed perfectly with an adorable love story.

34 Responses to “Crewel by Gennifer Albin – Review”

Eeeep! It’s so excited to hear that this is not just another dystopian. It seems like ideas are wearing thin in the genre so something fresh and new is definitely something that I am looking for. Great review! Can’t wait to read this one now 🙂Jenni @ Alluring Reads recently posted..Adaptation Review

I totally admit being a little tired of Dystopians, which is why I think this one stands out to much! It’s amazing, the blend of genres. Crewel is a phenomenal world!Danny recently posted..Review: Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

Cool! This is one of the few books that I missed at BEA. I’d like to read it some time. It’s great when a book goes beyond the dystopian genre – or whatever genre it’s closest to in the respective case. Adelice is such a cool name.Alison (AlisonCanRead) recently posted..Manga Mondays #120: Skip Beat vol. 21 by Yoshiki Nakamura

I can handle a slow beginning as long as there is world-building, this sounds like a unique and wonderful read. I love all the genres you mentioned. Thanks Danny I am adding it too my list.kimbacaffeinate recently posted..Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout ~release day review

the beginning really was a little slow, but I think there was no other way to introduce us to the world, which was a little complex. But. it was so awesome and unique that I was soon totally enthralled!Danny recently posted..Review: Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

I need to get reading this one then. I have a copy just sitting on my shelf. Danny, I remember reading the synopsis and thinking the same thing: that it will be just another dystopian novel. That is why I haven’t read it yet but now I just might! Happy reading!Gina recently posted..Cursed by Jennifer Armentrout

I know!!! I saw the cover and though BÄM this is awesome, then the synopsis was like a cold shower. But, I was so so glad I read it and I was simply amazed by how awesome it was! Hope you’ll love it just like me!Danny recently posted..Review: Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

KISSING! *high fives you* I’m so excited you loved this one Danny, it’s on my list for next week and I’ve read mixed reviews for it, so I was approaching it with a bit of trepidation. While I don’t love that there are 2 boys and thus a triangle, I am glad there’s romance to be had:) TEAM ROMANCE!

TEAM ROMANCE!!!!
Yeah, the triangle *sigh*. It was ok(ish) here but I am pretty sure it will be worse in the next book, at least this is what I assume from the ending!
I haven’t read too many reviews, but I think you’ll either like the world or you don’t.. I’m looking forward hearing what you think…. Often I’m sure which book you’ll love just like me, here? not so sure..Danny recently posted..Review: Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

I have been lusting lver this one since you featured it on your WOW. I am super excited to hear that this pans out and that it is so much more than a pretty cover. I don’t mind slow pace when it is due to detailed world building, as I am all for good solid world building!Heidi recently posted..Divinity by Patricia Leever Blog Tour Review and Giveaway!

Isn’t the cover super pretty??? I can only imagine how incredible it will look as a hardcover! I love so much that finally after reading the book the cover REALLY makes sense. When you first see the cover, all you see is pretty colors. but .. there is so much more!Danny recently posted..Review: Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

I wasn’t sure I was going to read this book but now that I’ve read your review I definitely want to 🙂 !! Crewel sounds amazing, and the cover looks stunning !!! I agree, romance in dystopian novels is always awesome and helps the characters to grow in some way 🙂Elodie @ Once Upon a Quote recently posted..Entangled by Nikki Jefford :

I’m actually dying to know how the story goes on! The ending was mind blowing and leaves me hanging desperately waiting!!! Also, I am pretty sure love will even play a bigger role in the next book!Danny recently posted..Review: Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

I totally agree with you! I just finished this as well (of course I was drawn in by the cover, and I LOVE any stories about time manipulation) – I was torn between 4 and 4.5 stars… The end was awesome and I love where they left it!! But I really didn’t get into the book until over 100 pages through. I understand the slow pacing, but I felt like it was too much explanation and not enough action. I wasn’t quite involved and it was just a little too slow for me in the beginning. Loved the end though and really looking forward to where more books go!Brittany @ The Book Addict’s Guide recently posted..Top Ten Tuesday – September 18, 2012

I had the same feelings about the beginning! Apart from the initial bang, there was so much explanations and introductions. On the other side, I think with a faster pace it’s easy to get lost. But, the rest totally made up for it and especially the ending was awesome:))Danny recently posted..Review: Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

I’ve heard this one is amazing and I wish I could get it RIGHT NOW! Your review just has me even more excited about reading it! And I agree that romance in dystopian books is epic because they have to really fight for it. And often it’s a forbidden love or is just someone that they really have to fight to be with. Yes, can’t wait to read this!Candace recently posted..Review: Burn for Burn by Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian

Those are the stories I want to read, about epic romance often forbidden and our heroine/hero has to fight for love! One of the things I love most about Dystopian… Also, Crewel really stands out from the other Dystopian as it has such a wonderful mixc of genres!Danny recently posted..Review: Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

Honestly Danny, This is the very first time I have been able to discern that it was a girl’s face on the front cover of the book. I haven’t had any interest in this book for some reason. Maybe the cover. Now you have me wanting to read it. But I have so many books to read, I think I’ll wait for at least the next book to come out so I can have two to read. But you definitely have me adding it to my Goodreads list when I would have passed it by previously. Thanks for the enthusiastic review! Glad there was romance!!

*giggles* yes I had a hard time seeing the girl too, but once you know you see her all the time!! This really is a book I cannot recommend enough as it is so unique and brilliant!! I truly didn’t expect to like it soo much!Danny recently posted..Review: Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

Oh yayayayay! I, too, was drawn to the cover but thought it was just another dystopian–so glad to hear that it’s not!!! I love that the MC is “super-normal” but not a Mary Sue (’cause those…I just want to smack upside the head!). Woot!Mary @ BookSwarm recently posted..Guest Post: THEA HARRISON (and an e-novella giveaway!)

Danny, your review is beautiful! I really loved this too and thought the whole book was teeming with creativity. I loved the turn it took towards the end and can’t wait to read the next one. 🙂Sam @ Realm of Fiction recently posted..Review: Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Great review! I got this book from netgalley, but after reading a few pages I wondered if it was for me. After reading your review I think I’ll give it another shot.Leigh Ann recently posted..COVER REVEAL: The Forgotten by Claudia Carozza

I love the cover and the idea of weaving time is fascinating! It’s a tough choice to give up everything for eternal beauty and privilege so I am curious to read how the story unfolds! Thanks for this amazing giveaway – I would love to win!

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